ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 275, 29 November 1901, Page 2

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Tue concert hold last night by tho Gisborne Orchestral Society was a groat snccoss, musically and also in the support given to it by the general public. There was a good attendance, ancl the appreciative manner in which each number was received was ample evideneo of the complete satisfaction given. Tho concert may fairly bo classed as one of the best ever given in Gisborne, and tho conductor (Mr Palairet) and the members of the Society aro entitled to the warmest congratulations on tho merit of the concert. The orchestral pieces wore variod to suit the different tastes, but whether in the difficult or the lighter parts, tho orchestra was most successful, while tho soloists were quite up to expectations, which is saying a good deal. Tho entertainment opened with ilalfe’s “ Siege of Bochellc ” by tho orchestra, which proved a splendid introduction. The orchestra is perhaps as strong a musical combination as has been banded together in Gisborno, and it is clear that moinbers have boon very attentive at the practices, for in each piece the full effects were given and thero was precision and unison. Tho overture was given in a finished manner, and served to show the quality and strength of the orchestra. There were only two vocal soloists, Mr Barlow (tenor), and Miss Falconar (contralto). Blumcnthal’s ■' The Eequital ” was tho first song given by Mr Barlow, and later on ho sang the “ Erl King,” with full orchestral accompaniment. Mr Barlow was in excellent voice, and each song, difficult though they were, was splendidly given, every note being taken with case, in mellow tone, and clear enunciation. Tho audionco testified their appreciation by very warm applause. After Mr Barlow’s first song tho orchestra gave the sparkling idyll “Potit Koine ” (Bearaud), a very pretty selection which could not fail to plcaso all. Later on, the orchestra gave “ Bobcrt do Diable” (Meyerbeer), a fantasia of the catchy sort, which was very popular, and was received with enthusiasm. The ’cello quartette “Andante Boligio ” roused the audience to a great pitch of enthusiasm. The piece was capitally given by Messrs H. I). Parker, E. Parnell, A. W. Adair, and H. Parker, and no refusal would bo taken to the demand for an encore; response was made with equally great success. The advent of the contralto from the South, Miss M. Falconar, was awaited with very high anticipations, the lady being preceded by such a high reputation. Miss Falconar was welcomed With enthusiasm, and sang Pinsuti’s “ Sunshine and Bain.” The lady fully proved that she has a grand contralto voice, and on finishing was given prolonged applause, and was also the recipient of beautiful floral tributes. As an encore she saD** “ Promise of Life ” (Cowen), thereby scoring another triumph. In tho second part she sang “ A Gondolier’s Love Song,” with Tosti’s “ Good-Bye ” as an encore. Miss Falconar has a clear, rich voice, and her singing fully justified all the praise that has been given her. In the second part the orchestra gave as an overture Suppe’s “ Pique Dame.” Later on “ Berceuse ” was played, and. as a wind-up came Mozart’s “ Figaro.” All the orchestral pieces were well chosen, and were given in a manner that was highly creditable to the conductor (Mr G. Palairet), the leader (Mr A. J. Massey), and tho orchestra. The pianiste, Miss Frances Butt, played tho accompaniments to the vocal selections. The orchestra was composed as follows : Ist violins, Misses Orr, Sobers, and M. Sobers, and Messrs A. J. Massey (leader) and Vowles ; 2nd violins, Misses Eoach, Neill, N. Buchanan, Hyett, and Mossrs H. Graham and G. Witty ; violas, Messrs J. Brown and F. B. Palairet; ’eelli, Messrs H. D. Parker, E. Parnell, A. Adair, and H. Parker; contra basso, Mr C. Adair; flute, Mr M. L. Foster; clarinets, Messrs H. A. Barton and A. Zachariah ; cornets, Messrs J. Chrisp and Douglas; horn, Mr T. Sandlant; trombone, Mr a! Morgan; drums, MessrsM. Pierce and T. Morrison. The portion cf the hall occupied by the orchestra was separated from the rest of the hall by a low screen, which | some of the ladies had beautifully deco rated with flowers.